Glenn and Jessie Close Discussion on the Stigma of Mental Illness

I am a graduate student at the University of Akron and recently had the opportunity to hear Glenn and her sister Jessie Close speak about the stigma of mental illness. It was a great presentation and I would recommend anyone to attend if given the opportunity. Jessie Close has been diagnosed with Bipolar I and her son with Schizoaffective Disorder. The sisters talked about their stories and how mental illness has affected their family. They talked about the importance of sharing their story so that others might have the courage to do so. I thought it was so wonderful that someone with the status and influence that Glenn Close has chose to bring some much needed positive attention to the subject of mental illness. I am hoping that other people in her position will choose to do the same.